CNBC PRESENTS “BEHIND THE COUNTER: THE UNTOLD STORY OF FRANCHISING”

CNBC ORIGINAL TAKES VIEWERS INSIDE THE $1.3 TRILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS OF FRANCHISING

One-Hour Documentary Reported by CNBC’s Darren Rovell to Premiere on CNBC on Wednesday, December 15th at 9PM ET/PT

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., December 3, 2010—From burgers and fries to canines and coffee, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, gives viewers an all-access look at the good, bad and unexpected side of franchising in its one-hour documentary, “Behind the Counter: The Untold Story of Franchising,” reported by CNBC’s Emmy Award winning correspondent Darren Rovell and premiering on Wednesday, December 15th at 9PM ET/PT.

CNBC goes behind-the-scenes at Five Guys Burger and Fries, a rapidly growing franchise that wasn't supposed to be a franchise at all. CNBC shows how the company’s enormous success has filtered down the supply chain to one businessman, Rick Miles, who’s reaping huge rewards as the exclusive supplier for the potatoes that go into Five Guys’ famous fries. Growing at 40% a year along with a ringing endorsement from President Obama, this franchise is well on the way to conquering America.

CNBC’s Rovell also looks at why Procter & Gamble—the world’s largest consumer-products company—is dipping its toes into the franchising waters of two competitive service industries—dry cleaning and car washes—putting the well-respected reputation of Tide and Mr. Clean on the line.

The documentary also examines the dark side of the franchising business showing how the American Dream can very quickly become a nightmare. Rovell tells the cautionary tale of Camp Bow Wow, a franchise built around America’s love affair with its pets and reveals some of the potential pit falls of the franchising industry. Rovell also uncovers how a well-known franchise like Cold Stone Creamery may not be what it seems. With little protection or support from the Federal Trade Commission along with hidden expenses, steep nonrefundable franchise fees and more, even some of the most successful franchisees can’t get out of the red. Rovell speaks with Don Sniegowski of Blue MauMau, the foremost franchise journalist in the country, who says that many franchise buyers don't realize that when they buy into the business they can lose more than their initial investment.

And the hour also looks at how and why Dunkin’ Donuts has become such a popular franchise for immigrants trying to get their piece of the American dream. Behind the Counter is a revealing one-hour look at the joy and pain of the so-called business in a box model.

For more information including web extras and clips log onto franchising.cnbc.com.

Sanford Cannold is the Executive Producer. Gail Ablow is the Producer. Samantha Wright is Coordinating Producer & Jeremy Pink is Senior Vice President of CNBC Business News.

CNBC’s “Behind the Counter: The Untold Story of Franchising” will re-air on Wednesday, December 15th at 10pm ET/PT, and Sunday, December 19th at 10pm ET.

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